SOFTWARE FOR MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION

Sources for math and science software: You can get software from these and other sources. Shareware and Freeware

(1) General Software Review Review four or more software titles in math or science. Write a paragraph describing each program and your professional opinion concerning its usefulness in education.

(2) Formal Software Reviews Select the best for formal review and presentation to the class (see form below).

(3) Formal Presentation of Software: See newsgroup and classroom discussion for details. Your presentations should stress how this software can be used effectively in the curriculum. Do not spend time discussing mechanics (menu structure, etc.) nor shortcomings, but rather focus on the how this software can be used to enhance instruction. If possible, involve your peers in "hands-on experiences" with the software, and/or conduct an actual lesson. Note - in the interest of time, you can review Starry Night for the formal review. No presentation will be necessary.

SOFTWARE REVIEW

(1) Description of program (Paragraph)

(2) Basic Information
(a) Title (b) Publisher (c) Cost (d) ___shareware ___freeware ___commercial

(3) Target Population

(a) Is this designed for teachers or students to use ?

(b) If students, in what subject and at what grade level ?

(c) Where would this best fit into the curriculum? Subject, Grade level, Academic Ability

(d) Would this software maintain the interest of this population. Explain.

(4) Content Goals

(a) What, if any, concept(s) does this program introduce ?

(b) How effective of a job does it do at teaching these concepts?

(c) Compare with traditional techniques for teaching this concept(s). (What, if anything, does this software accomplish that traditional forms of instruction could not do as effectively. Explain)

(5) Process Goals

(a) What type(s) of reasoning does this program encourage (rote memorization, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, deduction, induction, etc.)?

(d) Compare with traditional techniques for stimulating these reasoning skills. (What, if anything, does this software accomplish that traditional forms of instruction generally do not do as effectively. Explain)

(6) Lesson Plan. Write three specific tasks, questions, goals, or projects that you would have your students accomplish or answer after using this software.

(7) Summary. Assuming that you had access to this software, would you use it in your classroom? Explain why or why not

You may wish to read others reviews at the California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse website.